Helpful Score: 1
This is the original book and the Hollywood screenplay. I was interested in reading this after seeing the movie starring Jane Fonda. The movie was highly rated. Horace McCoy did a good job with the vernacular of the 1930's, but there were parts of the screenplay I liked better.
Recent acquaintances Robert and Gloria enter a marathon dance competition as partners in an attempt to win a much-needed $1000 prize. During the grueling competition, Robert sees a much different side of Gloria: she has a deep sense of hopelessness, finds living painful, and feels she is going nowhere. The physical toll the dance marathon takes combined with the humiliating treatment and acts of violence they witness as other competetors crack only reinforce Gloria's willingness to die. Ultimately, Robert helps her along the way.
Though set during the time of the depression, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is very relevent to today. The public spectacle of the marathon dance competition in which contestants trade their dignity for cash mirrors today's reality television shows. At one point in the story another couple is asked to get married during the competition to drum up publicity..... Fox reality show, anyone? The novel is brief and concisely written, yet will keep you thinking about it for much longer than you spent reading it.
Though set during the time of the depression, They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is very relevent to today. The public spectacle of the marathon dance competition in which contestants trade their dignity for cash mirrors today's reality television shows. At one point in the story another couple is asked to get married during the competition to drum up publicity..... Fox reality show, anyone? The novel is brief and concisely written, yet will keep you thinking about it for much longer than you spent reading it.
